Memorial Day Weekend is always a special occasion, as friends and family gather to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Whichever way you choose to observe the holiday — with traditional remembrances or by creating new memories with your loved ones — there’s something for you on this list of Memorial Day events in and around Downtown Dallas.
The 638-acre Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy.) has been welcoming those wishing to pay their respects to fallen servicemen and servicewomen since 2000. The Cemetery will also be hosting a 2018 Memorial Day Service at 11:00 a.m. on the morning of May 28.
For many Americans — especially Texans — Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with firing up the grill and enjoyed delicious smoked meats. That’s why the 8th Annual Brew-BQ, hosted by Deep Ellum Brewing Company (2823 St Louis St.), should be top of mind come May 27. Combine your love of good beer and good barbecue at this community-centric event, which will also feature live performances from Somebody’s Darling, Atlantis Aquarius and Matt Tedder. Triple G will be serving up the food, and all attendees will receive three drink tickets to spend on Deep Ellum’s specialty, seasonal and unreleased brews.
Another great option for the Sunday before Memorial Day is the famous Dallas Margarita Meltdown at the Dallas Farmer’s Market (920 S. Harwood St.), where top bartenders will compete for bragging rights and a $1,000 prize for the best margarita in the city. Purchase sampling tickets and try all of the contenders, then cast your vote for your favorite. All proceeds will benefit Oak Cliff Furry Friends, a non-profit organization for homeless pets in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
What if you’re looking for a more family-friendly fun? The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be hosting a free Memorial Day Concert on May 28 at Flag Pole Hill Park (8015 Doran Cir.) near White Rock Lake. The concert will honor America’s veterans and first responders, featuring a number of patriotic tunes and leading up to a grand finale of a fireworks show that’s sure to have the little ones gazing up in awe. Picnic baskets are encouraged, so make sure to pack your favorite warm-weather eats and treats.
Military personnel aren’t alone in being honored this Memorial Day. Our furry friends also make sacrifices, which is why the Design District’s Noble Rey Brewing Company (2636 Farrington St.) will be hosting a Fur Fun Run on May 26. Proceeds will benefit Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, an organization which provides service dogs to disabled American veterans at no cost. Dress in all the reds, whites and blues you can find (that goes for your pet, too) and choose from a 5K run or one-mile walk. And be sure to stick around for the “All Ameri-Dog Paw-ty,” where you’ll find hot dogs, Noble Rey beer, pup pools and pup treats.
Lastly, it wouldn’t be Memorial Day in Dallas without the moving two-day Dallas Memorial March, organized by Carry the Load. This flagship event takes place in Reverchon Park (3505 Maple Ave.) and will feature inspirational speeches, flag ceremonies and stories of fallen heroes. The march concludes at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — just in time to observe the National Moment of Remembrance.
How will you celebrate Memorial Day weekend? Share your plans with us on Facebook and Twitter. And, from all of us at Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy, we extend a warm thank you to all our brave servicemen and servicewomen.